God's Plans
- Tony Vance
- May 12, 2016
- 4 min read
SMLXL
Recently, I was able to spend a few hours in the place that as a boy and into my teens I spent countless hours at. I grew up in a denomination (United Baptist) that had been influenced by the General Baptist of centuries before. This denomination organized itself in ‘Associations’ which were groups of churches formed to work together in missions, ministerial ordination, and mutual benefit. As a denomination, they hold very loose associations, autonomy is a big part of their DNA, and so denominational activity is very limited, with few exceptions. This particular ‘Association’, named the Bethlehem Association, is no exception, besides one amazing vision, still carrying on after over 60 years.
Over 60 years ago a group of prayer warriors began praying for a place to house a church camp for their churches. The endeavor took much prayer, effort, and fundraising, but saw the vision bring forth fruit in the 1950’s. In a small rural community in South-Western West Virginia, in the shadow of the Ohio River on the banks of one of its tributaries, a camp was constructed. In 1977 as a small boy of 11-on the grounds of that very camp- I found myself under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and on a hot August night I became a follower of Jesus, surrendering to the calling of Salvation. I have often thought how thankful I am for the vision and commitment many had. Today, I spend one week each summer at a camp (different place) in gratitude for the time others took for me.
This brings me back to the recent visit there. My brother and a few other former ‘campers’ organized a reunion. Campers from the inception (now in their 60’s) to those of today gathered for a three day get-together of reminiscing and fellowship. I was only able to attend a few hours, which included a service in the building I was saved in. Earlier in the day I found myself some time alone in this ‘church’ to reflect on that day from almost 40 years ago. My journey has taken many turns, a few valleys, and even some dark places, but an anchor point is that little place of my childhood joys and the little altar I bowed my head and confessed my need of a Savior. Pictured above is the place, much like that night, I found Jesus precious to my soul, on the left side.
Two things from that night are as vivid as the night it happened, even 39 years later. I knew beyond a shadow of doubt I was lost (a sinner) and that I needed a Savior. A few details of that night are still very intense, the moments before I fell at the altar, the wash of emotions, and the joy I had after are still vibrant memories. Yet something occurred to me that day-something I didn’t expect. I was thankful for the moments spent there, often a month of my summer, but I was not awash with nostalgia as I thought I would be. Renewing old acquaintances was wonderful, and yet there was still something that occurred to me that was an epiphany of sorts, I suppose. I came to reflect on by-gone years, rekindling the flame of that first few moments of faith, but left with a very important realization.
God took an 11 year old boy and granted salvation, purely by His grace, of this I have no doubt. Yet, it didn’t end there, it wasn’t that moment alone that God has used to make me who I am. Coming to faith is a first step, a beginning to a journey that has a thousand, if not a million, more steps. I would have many highlights in my life; marrying my beautiful wife, the birth of my two children, and my first pastorate-just to name a few. Yet, even the negative events were used by God to form me, mold me, and put me in the place I am now. Today I am a husband, father, blogger, podcaster, and itinerant minister. God has expanded my ‘ministry’ (I use that word to mean what we do-because it is all supposed to be for God- Colossians 3:23 (NLT) “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”) to include things and situations I could never have anticipated as that 11 year old boy.
I realize my place, my position in the body of Christ. My occupation, vocation (I’m a funeral director), affords me moments of ministry unlike others may have. I am now on many social media platforms and these have opened doors for ministry that did not exist in 1977. My podcast reaches many people, some as far away as Great Britain, that would never been in my circle of influence 40 years ago. I drove from that camp that night with a renewal, not in nostalgia but in the realization that God has more in store for me. I’ll continue to produce these blogs, praying God lets the one that needs the encouragement to find it. My podcast continues to grow, but the hope is not to be heard for being heard’s sake-no, it is knowing that I am promoting unity in the body of Christ, helping someone struggling with an issue, and/or connecting with fellow believers that gives me a true blessing.
I’m still a preacher and pastor at heart (and still filling pulpits as God allows-just not as an official pastor). My blog and podcast are a reflection of that fact. The other ministry opportunities God has opened are tainted by that essence of who I am, it can’t be denied. As I think about where I am going and what is ahead I think of my daughter’s wedding, just a couple of months from now, and it is just another step along this path God has laid before me. My wife and I are healing our marriage in ways I could never had imagined 10 years ago. Her grace, mercy, love, and compassion (not to mention her steadfastness) are marvels to behold and I am fortunate and blessed to be the recipient of them. My restoration back into ministry over a year ago is not complete, as well as the things God’s got in store for me. I marvel at His grace, and how it has been manifested in my life. Seeing that building in the background (the little white one) below, just reminds me…God has more for me.
